Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Tim Bull MP

Serious findings by Inspector General of Emergency Management report cannot wait until 2024

Recommendations from a review of the bushfires that ravaged the region will not be acted on by the Andrews Labor government.

By news@gippsland - 19th April 2022 - Back to News

Important recommendations from a review of the 2019/20 bushfires that ravaged the region will not be acted on by the Andrews Labor government until 2024, leaving East Gippslanders to endure two more summers before shortfalls are addressed. Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, says the seriousness of the Inspector General of Emergency Management's (IGEM) findings warrant a far quicker response.

The Inspector General of Emergency Management's (IGEM) report makes observations, findings, and recommendations to improve management of the impact of emergencies

Serious findings and observations

Among many serious findings and observations made in the IGEM report were:

• The timber industry provides an important support capacity to fire management in Victorian forests with a skill set, knowledge base and operational experience in forest landscapes. The cessation of native forest harvesting by 2030 poses challenges for the fuel management program and bushfire response capacity across the state
• There is a high level of dissatisfaction in some parts of the emergency management sector and the community in relation to fuel management
• There is a lack of collective understanding of current and future personnel capacity requirements.
• Land managers and fire agencies responsible for roadside fuel management have inconsistent policy frameworks, objectives, budgeting arrangements and reporting regimes that has resulted in a lack of accountability and transparency for roadside fuel management
• The high volume of information and warnings issued via the VicEmergency platform made it difficult to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information to recipients and created situations where individuals may have received conflicting advice regarding the management of different fires in the area.
• The existing capacity (including surge capacity) across the Victorian emergency sector was challenged

"The report also states in several areas that protection of human life should be at the forefront of fuel management controls, but unfortunately there is considerable community sentiment that vegetation values are often given priority - the government's cessation of roadside clearing at Sarsfield being a prime example," said Mr Bull.

Issues should be addressed

Mr Bull also said, "All of these critical issues should be addressed in the shortest possible time frame, but here we have a government pushing not reviewing the Bushfire Code until 2024. It has justified this by saying consultation will be open for the remainder of 2022 and 2023 but all it does is show how blase this government is on such an important issue."

"East Gippslanders are all too familiar with the Andrews government failings of managing its own public land to mitigate bushfire risk and minimise impact on human life, so we will have another two summers to endure before changes are made to protect the community and to achieve common sense outcomes," he said.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
  Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms.
• Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
  Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
• Melina Bath urges Labor government to scrap emergency services tax as VFF survey shows farmers' frustration and concern
  The Nationals' Melina Bath urged the Allan Labor government to scrap the emergency services tax, citing VFF survey findings showing widespread financial, mental, and regulatory pressures on Victorian farmers.
• Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
  Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, showcasing community achievements and future strategic direction
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029.
• Bass Coast launches energy resilient hubs and emergency dashboard to strengthen community preparedness and recovery
  Bass Coast Shire Council has launched Energy Resilient Community Hubs and an Emergency Dashboard to boost preparedness, strengthen local resilience, and keep communities safe, connected, and supported during emergencies and power outages.
• Wellington Shire Council seeks feedback on the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review until 24 September 2025
  Wellington Shire Council's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines priorities for responsible pet ownership, safety, and welfare, inviting community feedback from 28 August to 24 September 2025.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals.
• East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally
  East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote safety, welfare, responsible ownership
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed the 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, ensure community safety, and guide strategic animal management over the next four years.
• Labor under fire as Treasurer dodges questions on cuts to vital frontline emergency services jobs
  Labor faces backlash over emergency services job cuts, with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes denying losses despite reports of hundreds axed. Nationals accuse Labor of financial mismanagement, risking regional safety and environmental protection.